Sasan Gir to Somnath by Car: Distance, Fares & Darshan Tips
The 50 km drive from Sasan Gir to Somnath takes about 1 to 1.5 hours—one of the shortest and most convenient transfers in Saurashtra. A sedan taxi costs ₹1,800 one way, while an SUV runs ₹2,200–₹3,000. The route heads southeast from Sasan through the Gir buffer zone, past Talala and Veraval, directly to the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple. Whether you are combining a Gir safari morning with Somnath darshan, or using Somnath as a base before heading to Diu, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Sasan Gir to Somnath.
Route Overview – Sasan Gir to Somnath by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~50 km via Talala and Veraval |
| Travel Time | 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and stops |
| Route | Sasan Gir → Talala → Veraval → Somnath |
| Highway Notes | SH 26 via Talala from Sasan to Veraval; local road from Veraval to Somnath (7 km). Fully motorable year-round. |
| Toll Estimate | ₹0 on SH 26. Only temple parking charges apply (₹50–₹100). |
The route follows SH 26 southeast from Sasan Gir through the Gir buffer zone to Talala, then continues south to Veraval. From Veraval, a 7 km local road leads to Somnath Temple. The landscape shifts from dense teak forest near Sasan to open farmland around Talala, and finally to the coastal fishing-town atmosphere of Veraval. Morning departures from Sasan offer the best chance of spotting wildlife along the roadside—the Gir corridor is most active at dawn.
The road itself is a well-maintained two-lane state highway for most of the stretch. After the monsoon (July–September), occasional waterlogging may occur near Talala, but the road remains motorable throughout the year. There are no toll plazas on SH 26—the only charges you will encounter are parking fees at Somnath Temple (₹50–₹100, charged by the Somnath Trust).
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
Below are standard one-way fares for the 50 km Sasan Gir to Somnath drop in 2026:
| Vehicle Type | Models | Capacity | Luggage | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Swift Dezire, Etios | 4 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹1,800 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹2,200 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | 4 bags | ₹3,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹5,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 17 Seater | 17 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹5,500 |
| Tempo Traveller | 26 Seater | 26 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹7,000 |
The CNG Luggage Warning
Most commercial taxis in Gujarat run on CNG. The gas cylinder is mounted in the boot, which eliminates virtually all luggage space. A Swift Dezire or Ertiga will comfortably hold only 2–3 medium bags. If you are travelling with heavy luggage, explicitly request an Innova Crysta or ask the operator to fit a roof carrier before the car arrives.
What’s Included vs. What’s Extra
What’s included: Driver allowance and fuel. What’s extra: Temple parking (₹50–₹100 charged by Somnath Trust). No toll charges on SH 26. No UT border tax—both Sasan Gir and Somnath are within Gujarat.
Cab waiting time: On round-trip bookings, most operators include 2 hours of free waiting time at Somnath for darshan. Beyond that, expect ₹100 per additional hour. Confirm this when booking—some operators include unlimited waiting in round-trip quotes, others charge extra.
Why Are Round Trips Sometimes Cheaper?
If you plan to return to Sasan Gir, book a round-trip cab. Round trips (100 km total) typically cost ₹2,500–₹3,500 for a sedan. Indian outstation taxi operators charge one-way travellers for the empty return journey anyway—so a ₹1,800 one-way fare already includes the driver’s “dead-heading” cost. A round-trip booking eliminates that dead-head charge, making the per-km rate significantly lower.
For groups of 6 or more, an Innova Crysta or Tempo Traveller on a round-trip basis offers the best value. A 14-seater Tempo Traveller round trip (100 km) costs around ₹6,500–₹7,500, which works out to roughly ₹65–₹75 per km—much cheaper than hiring two separate sedans.
Car Rental Options – How to Book
Online Aggregators: Platforms like MakeMyTrip, CabBazar, GozoCabs, and Savaari offer sedans starting around ₹1,800. You can book online and secure driver details in advance. These platforms are reliable for one-way drops, but for round trips, compare the quoted price with local operators—you may find better rates negotiating directly.
Local Taxi Agents in Sasan Gir: Taxi stands are located near the Sasan Gir safari gate, Sasan town market, and Veraval. Negotiate directly—fares are often ₹200–₹400 lower than online platforms. Always verify the car’s condition and ask for a written receipt with the driver’s mobile number. Local operators often have better knowledge of forest road conditions and can suggest optimal departure times.
Auto-rickshaws from Veraval Railway Station: If you are arriving by train at Veraval, auto-rickshaws to Somnath cost ₹150–₹250. For the full Sasan Gir transfer, book a cab in advance—auto-rickshaws are not practical for the 50 km forest route.
Somnath Darshan Essentials for Drivers & Passengers
One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, Somnath Temple is the crown jewel of Saurashtra pilgrimage. The temple stands at the edge of the Arabian Sea, and its evening aarti against the sunset is unforgettable. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the moon god was cursed by Daksha and lost his brightness, only to be restored by Lord Shiva. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history—the current structure was completed in 1951 under the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Timings & Aarti Schedule
Darshan hours: Open continuously from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Aarti times: Morning 7:00 AM, Noon 12:00 PM, Evening 7:00 PM. The evening aarti is the most spectacular—arrive by 6:30 PM to secure a good viewing spot. Both men and women must wear conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing attire. The temple trust provides free dhoti and saree covers at the entrance if your clothing is deemed inappropriate.
Strict Electronics Ban & Locker Logistics
No electronic devices—phones, smartwatches, cameras, power banks, or car key fobs—are permitted inside the security perimeter. This is strictly enforced—security will ask you to turn back if you are carrying any electronic item. Leave devices in your taxi with the driver or use the external cloakroom (adds 20–30 minutes). Plan accordingly if you want photos—the temple exterior is photogenic, but you cannot carry a phone inside. Tip: Take your photos before entering the security perimeter, then store everything in the cloakroom.
What Else to See at Somnath
Beyond the main Jyotirlinga temple, the Somnath complex and its surroundings offer several significant sites that you can cover in 2–3 hours:
- Triveni Sangam: The confluence of three rivers—Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati—about 1.2–1.5 km from the temple gate via Prabhas Patan town streets. A sacred bathing ghat where pilgrims take a holy dip before darshan. The sunset view from the Sangam is stunning. Take an auto-rickshaw or your cab—the walk is long under the coastal sun.
- Bhalka Tirth: The spot where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow while resting under a tree, marking the end of his earthly incarnation. Located between Veraval and Somnath on the Veraval–Somnath highway—you will pass it before reaching the main temple. Stop on the way in, not on the way out. Visit by cab.
- Geeta Mandir: A beautifully carved marble temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located near the Somnath complex. Features verses from the Bhagavad Gita inscribed on its walls.
- Old Somnath Temple Ruins: Archaeological remains of earlier temple structures, located behind the current temple. Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Somnath Beach: A quiet stretch of beach running along the temple perimeter. Ideal for an evening walk after darshan, but swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.
Suggested Morning Safari to Somnath Darshan Itinerary
This itinerary works for travellers who want to combine a Gir safari with Somnath darshan on the same day:
- 6:00–9:00 AM: Core Gir jungle safari (morning slot). Keep windows up, drive slowly through the forest corridor.
- 9:00–9:30 AM: Breakfast at your Sasan lodge. Pack any luggage you are carrying.
- 9:30 AM: Depart Sasan Gir for Somnath. Your driver takes SH 26 through Talala.
- 10:00 AM: Tea break at Talala (25 km). Gateway town with several dhabas.
- 10:30–11:00 AM: Arrive at Somnath (50 km). Store electronics in taxi or use the cloakroom.
- 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Darshan and temple exploration. If arriving during aarti (12:00 PM), wait for the ceremony—it lasts about 20 minutes.
- 12:00 PM: Drive to Triveni Sangam (~1.2–1.5 km from temple, take your cab or an auto-rickshaw).
- 12:30 PM: Drive to Bhalka Tirth (on the Veraval–Somnath highway, between Veraval and the temple—stop before arriving at the main temple, not on the way back).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Veraval restaurant or highway dhaba. Try the local Gujarati thali—Veraval is famous for fresh seafood, but vegetarian options are plentiful.
- 2:00 PM: Depart for Diu (80 km from Somnath via Kodinar and Una) or return to Sasan Gir (50 km).
En Route Stops & Waypoints
| Stop | Distance from Sasan | What to See / Do |
|---|---|---|
| Talala | 25 km | Gateway town to Gir, local temples, tea break. Several dhabas for breakfast. |
| Veraval | 43 km | Fishing harbour, Veraval beach, local restaurants. Somnath is 7 km ahead. |
| Bhalka Tirth | 47 km | Krishna’s death spot, on the Veraval–Somnath highway—visit by cab |
| Somnath | 50 km | Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Triveni Sangam, Geeta Mandir |
Bhalka Tirth note: Bhalka Tirth is located between Veraval and Somnath on the Veraval–Somnath highway, roughly 3–4 km after leaving Veraval and 3–4 km before reaching the main temple. You will pass it on the way in—tell your driver to stop at Bhalka Tirth before arriving at Somnath Temple, not on the return journey. The site is small and can be covered in 15–20 minutes.
Veraval – The Fishing Harbour Stopover
Veraval is a busy fishing port and the last major town before Somnath. Most cabs from Sasan Gir pass through Veraval on the way to Somnath, making it a natural stopover point. The town is known for its fishing harbour—you can watch fishermen bring in their morning catch at the harbour, which is a fascinating sight for first-time visitors. Several local restaurants near the harbour serve excellent fresh fish thali, though vegetarian options are equally available. If you are looking for a clean restroom break before reaching Somnath, the highway dhabas on the outskirts of Veraval are your best bet.
Best Time to Drive & Road Conditions
Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM): The best window. Light traffic, cool temperatures, and the Gir corridor is most active at dawn. You reach Somnath by 7:30–9:30 AM—perfect for morning darshan. Wildlife sightings along the roadside are common during this hour.
Late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM): Good for evening aarti at Somnath (7:00 PM). Traffic is moderate. The setting sun over the Arabian Sea creates dramatic light at the temple.
Avoid: Midday (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) in summer (April–June) when temperatures cross 42°C. Night driving is not recommended—the Gir buffer zone has unlit stretches with wildlife crossings, and forest roads may close to civilian traffic at dusk.
Road conditions: SH 26 via Talala is fully motorable year-round. The road is well-maintained—two-lane state highway for most of the stretch. After the monsoon (July–September), watch for occasional waterlogging near Talala. During heavy rains, the forest department may temporarily close certain stretches for safety—check with your driver or local police before departing.
Combining Sasan Gir, Somnath & Diu in One Trip
Many travellers combine Sasan Gir, Somnath, and Diu into a single 3–4 day itinerary. Here is how the distances work out:
| Leg | Distance | Travel Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sasan Gir → Somnath | 50 km | 1–1.5 hours | SH 26 via Talala and Veraval |
| Somnath → Diu | 80 km | 2–2.5 hours | NH51 via Kodinar and Una |
| Diu → Sasan Gir | 97–130 km | 2–3 hours | Interior via Jamwala or coastal via Veraval |
A popular itinerary: Day 1—arrive at Sasan Gir, afternoon Devalia Safari. Day 2—morning core safari, drive to Somnath (50 km), evening aarti. Day 3—morning darshan at Somnath, drive to Diu (80 km), beach afternoon. Day 4—Diu sightseeing, return to Sasan Gir (97–130 km). Book a round-trip cab from Sasan Gir for the entire circuit—most operators offer multi-day packages at ₹10–₹12 per km.
Return Options – Somnath to Sasan Gir
- Pre-booked round-trip cab: The most convenient option. Your driver waits during darshan (typically 2 hours free) and returns you to Sasan Gir. Confirm waiting charges at the time of booking.
- Local taxi: Available at Somnath temple gate and Veraval. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs—expect ₹2,000–₹2,500 for a sedan. Negotiate before boarding.
- GSRTC bus: Buses run from Veraval to Sasan Gir via Talala. Frequency: 3+ buses daily. Journey: 1.5–2 hours. The last bus departs Veraval around 5:00 PM. Check GSRTC website for live timings.
- Auto-rickshaw: Available from Veraval to Somnath (₹150–₹250). For the full Sasan Gir transfer, you will need a cab—auto-rickshaws are not practical for the 50 km forest route.
Highway Safety Tips
- Wildlife caution: The Gir corridor is active with lions, leopards, and other wildlife. Drive slowly through forest stretches, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep windows up. If you spot a lion on the road, stop the car and wait—it will move on its own. Do not honk or attempt to drive past.
- Fuel & Cash: Fill fuel in Sasan Gir or Veraval. ATMs are available in Veraval and near Somnath temple. Carry cash for temple parking and dhaba meals—digital payments are not always accepted at smaller establishments.
- Luggage capacity warning: Many hatchbacks and sedans in Gujarat are CNG-fitted, with cylinders occupying the boot. If you have heavy luggage, request an SUV with a roof carrier when booking.
- Forest checkposts: Roads entering the Gir protected buffer zone may close to civilian traffic at dusk (6:00–7:00 PM). Plan your departure accordingly.
- Monsoon caution: During heavy rains (July–August), the forest department may temporarily close SH 26 through the Gir buffer zone. If this happens, the alternative route via Junagadh adds 60+ km. Check road conditions with your driver before departing during monsoon season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Sasan Gir to Somnath?
The standard route via Talala and Veraval is approximately 50 km, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. The road is well-maintained throughout—SH 26 from Sasan to Veraval, then a local road to Somnath. There are no toll plazas on this route.
How much does a taxi from Sasan Gir to Somnath cost?
A sedan (Swift Dezire) costs ₹1,800 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹2,200. An Innova Crysta costs ₹3,000. Round-trip fares covering the ~100 km total are generally ₹2,500–₹3,500 for a sedan. Expect ₹50–₹100 parking charges at Somnath Temple.
How long does it take to reach Somnath from Sasan Gir?
The 50 km journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Early morning departures are fastest due to minimal traffic. Somnath Temple is open continuously from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The evening aarti at 7:00 PM is the most spectacular—if you are timing your arrival for the aarti, leave Sasan by 4:30 PM.
Can I do a morning safari and still visit Somnath the same day?
Yes. The core Gir jungle safari runs from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM (morning slot). Finish your safari, have breakfast at your lodge, and depart by 10:00 AM. You reach Somnath by 11:00 AM. The Devalia Safari Park (fenced zone with guaranteed lion sightings) opens at 8:00 AM and takes about 1.5 hours, allowing a Somnath visit by early afternoon.
Do Gujarat cabs have CNG tanks that eat luggage space?
Yes. Almost every commercial sedan and Ertiga in Gujarat runs on CNG, with the cylinder mounted in the boot. A Swift Dezire holds only 2–3 medium bags. For heavy luggage, book an Innova Crysta or request a roof carrier.
Can I take my phone inside Somnath Temple?
No. Electronic devices—phones, smartwatches, cameras, power banks, car key fobs—are banned inside the security perimeter. Leave devices in your taxi with the driver or use the external cloakroom (adds 20–30 minutes to your visit). Take photos of the temple exterior before entering the security zone.
What are the parking charges at Somnath?
Somnath Trust charges ₹50–₹100 for vehicle parking near the temple. This is separate from your cab fare. On round-trip bookings, most operators include 2 hours of free waiting time for darshan—confirm this when booking. Beyond 2 hours, expect ₹100 per additional hour of waiting.
How do I get from Veraval Railway Station to Somnath?
Auto-rickshaws are available outside Veraval Railway Station and cost ₹150–₹250 for the 7 km trip to Somnath. For the full Sasan Gir transfer, book a cab in advance—auto-rickshaws are not practical for the 50 km forest route. Veraval is on the Western Railway line, with trains connecting to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Rajkot.
Is the route passable during monsoon?
Yes, SH 26 is fully motorable year-round. However, during heavy rains (July–August), occasional waterlogging may occur near Talala. The forest department may temporarily close certain stretches through the Gir buffer zone for safety—check with your driver or local police before departing. The alternative route via Junagadh adds 60+ km but avoids the forest stretch entirely.
Is it safe to drive at night from Sasan Gir to Somnath?
No. The Gir buffer zone has unlit stretches with wildlife crossings, and forest roads may close to civilian traffic at dusk (6:00–7:00 PM). Plan your departure so you clear the forest zone before sunset. If you must travel after dark, take the alternative route via Junagadh which avoids the forest corridor entirely.
